Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed ComparisonSoft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but New Guinea Singing Dog is originated from Papua New Guinea. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than New Guinea Singing Dog. Both Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and New Guinea Singing Dog are having almost same weight. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier may live 5 years less than New Guinea Singing Dog. Both Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and New Guinea Singing Dog has almost same litter size. Both Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and New Guinea Singing Dog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

soft coated wheaten terrier - historyThis wheaten colored terrier hails from Ireland. Although the Wheaten has been around for a long time, it was in 1937 that he was recognized as a breed in Ireland.

The British Kennel Club also recognized the Wheaten and the dog was also exported to the United States. Serious interest started being shown for the Terrier in the 1970s. It was in 1973 that they were recognised by the American Kennel Club.

new guinea singing dog - historyIn 1957 the New Guinea Singing Dog was “discovered” in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and he is found no where else. There is a lot of debate among scientists, taxonomists and biologist as to what is really a species and what is a subspecies. When the NGSD was found he was classified as a new canid species then in 2007 they were downgraded to a subspecies.

Today the NGSD is considered to be a wild dog and a primitive dog. They have lived in Papua New Guinea in the Highlands for thousands of years. They are closely related to other wild dogs, such as Australia’s dingo. They are today as they were a thousand years ago – wild. So wild that many counties have them in their zoos.

With the right care and enough socialization, they do very well as companion animals living with people. They are difficult to domesticate however and the person who owns one should be a part of the NGSD community in order to get support, share issues, and learn from others who have lived with these “wild dogs” for many years.

Any New Guinea Singing Dog found in North America or Europe is a direct descendent of two couples that were taken to zoos in China and Australia. The NGSD makes a howling sound that modulates and undulates through a wide series of tones. No other dog makes this musical sound. Rare even in New Guinea today, the Singer is thought to be the rarest of all dogs.

The only organization that recognizes the Singing Dog is the UKC and they are allowed in UKC competition. The NGSD now holds the classification of a domestic dog – a Canis lupus dingo - which is a subspecies of Canis lupus. In 2016 a group of 15 wild dogs were photographed for the first time ever. Prior to this the NGSD were never seen in more than pairs.

It is believed that they do not live and operate in packs, but rather solitary, pairs or family groups where both the parents do the work of raising the pups.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Miscellaneous dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
Papua New Guinea
Height Male:
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
35 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Height Female:
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
32 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
6 - 10 kg
13 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
15 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
1 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Wheaten, Wheatie
Hallstrom Dog, NGSD, New Guinea Highland Dog, New Guinea Dingo, Singer, New Guinea Wild Dog
Colors Available:
tan, gingerish, Fawn, wheaten
Black and tan with white markings, golden red.
Coat:
Soft, silky, wavy to curly
weather resistant coat double coat breed
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Curious, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

soft coated wheaten terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wheaten is a medium sized dog standing at between 43 and 50cm and weighing between 13 and 20kg both male and female. The coat of the dog is soft, silky and wavy to even curly and is a wheaten to ginger color.

The coat of the puppy is dark but as he grows up it changes into the wheaten color although the ears may be a dark brown color. Pet owners like that the Wheaten is a very low shedding dog.

Temperament:

Playful, social and friendly, the Wheaten has always been put to good use on the farm. These days he is pet and companion. He is energetic and playful so children love having him around.

He is slightly more hyper and energetic than other Terrier breeds so will require a good dose of exercise.

He is smart and strong willed, and training and socialization turns him into an amicable pet to have around, so much so that he is sought after as a therapy-dog.

They’re easy-going dogs with no aggression issues but they still make great watch dogs and want to do whatever it takes to look after- and protect their human family.

new guinea singing dog puppy - descriptionThe New Guinea Singing Dog is a medium sized dog with short legs and a broad head. They are about average height and they are very limber and flexible. They can rotate their paws and spread their legs at much greater angles than the average canine. Thus, they can easily climb a tree. They can jump like a cat.

They have very reflective eyes that are shaped like almonds and have dark rims. The color of the eye can be dark brown to dark amber. It is also believed that they can see better than other domestic dogs in low light settings. Their pupils let in more light due to pupils that are wider than most other dogs.

The ears of the NGSD are lined with fur, pointed and erect. The are forward laying and can be rotated in order to hear even the farthest and faintest of sounds. There are dark guard hairs on the spine and back of the ears and tail. On young dogs the muzzle is black but by age 7 it is already beginning to turn gray.

Characteristics

soft coated wheaten terrier dog - characteristicsThe Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has always made an excellent farm dog, but today he is more suited as pet and companion.

He adapts easily to life in the city or the countryside. Wherever he is, he will need his exercise. He also longs to be an active part of his human family, and then he’s happy, lively, social and friendly and is a great playmate for children.

He also gets on well with other dogs and will make you a fantastic family pet.

Children friendliness

new guinea singing dog dog - characteristicsThey could be, but it must be remembered that this is a wild dog.

Special talents

Varying the pitches when howling

Adaptability

It’s possible but not recommended. Leave them wild.

Learning ability

Highly intelligent but trainability is questionable unless well socialize and attached to their people.

Health Problems

soft coated wheaten terrier puppies - health problemsWhen you bring a Wheaten Terrier into your home, you’re not likely to have too many vet fees as he tends to be a healthy dog breed, being able to reach 13, 14 or 15 years of age with good care.

Look out for a dog ailment known as Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). This is a condition where the dog isn’t able to properly absorb protein in the digestive tract, so that it is passed in their stools.

It can be fatal, but if caught early, some dietary changes can keep it under control.

Also, look out for inflammatory bowel disease. This disease occurs when the stomach of the dog has a large number of inflammatory cells which can change the lining of the digestive tract, preventing the normal absorption of food.

Health Problems

new guinea singing dog puppies - health problemsThough the breed is not extinct – it is so wild and secretive that there is no history or record of any health problems. However, the small number of domestic companion animals have shown health issues in recent years.

Pancreatitis – can be chronic or acute. If chronic it needs to be treated and diet changed. If acute it is usually deadly.

Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

soft coated wheaten terrier dogs - caringBrush your pet’s silky coat twice a week. Such a silky coat can get all tangled and matted. If you prefer, many people opt to rather have the Wheaten’s coat professionally clipped as then it is easier to handle. They like to have the hair clipped that hangs over the dog’s eyes.

Other grooming tasks require you to check inside his ears for redness which could indicate an infection. Trim his nails and check him over for ticks and fleas.

Training:

Have your Wheatie trained and socialized as he is a stubborn dog breed and you want him to be well mannered and obedient.

Exercise:

Terriers like this are energetic dogs and he is going to need exercise every day. A walk for a dog is always a welcome experience as it gives him the opportunity to sniff around and pick up new smells. Play ball- or frisbee games with him as this can tire him out a bit.

Veterinary Care:

If your dog shows signs of illness, get him to the vet. He is such a feisty dog that it can be unbearable to see him out of sorts.

Diet:

Terriers are energetic dogs so if you feed your dog one of the commercial dog foods, make sure the label indicates what food it is. This is because the foods are manufactured according to the type of dog it is, its age, size and energy levels.

Always try and go for the high quality foods which don’t have all those unhealthy ingredients in them. Try to include some home-made food – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain, wholesome food that won’t upset his stomach.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. You can chop it up and add it to your pet’s kibble twice a week.

Try and include a little bit of raw meat to his diet occasionally as this can go towards ensuring he doesn’t get skin diseases. Always ensure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water available.

Feeding the puppy

new guinea singing dog dogs - caringIn the wild both pups and adults are thought to eat small mammals and birds as well as fruits. In homes feed a high protein diet. Because of the tendency toward pancreatitis do not feed raw or under cooked meat. If feeding meet do so in small amounts well cooked, very lean. Stay away from the fat. Feed puppies very small amounts. ¾-1 cup high quality dry puppy food twice a day.

Feeding the adult

Same as the puppy when it comes to meat although you could give the adult a little more. 1 ½ cups od high quality medium breed dog food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

In the wild there is no indication of health issue. A very healthy breed.

Games and Exercises

The NGSD needs a lot of stimulation both mental and physical. They must have a daily walk and somewhere to run. They are escape artist in homes. Remember they can jump like cats and climb trees. If their head can pass through a hole, so can the rest of their body.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  4. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  10. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  12. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Jagdterrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Old English Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Scoland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Skye Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Other - Breed Comparison
  27. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  28. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  29. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Indian Pariah Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Dingo - Breed Comparison
  31. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  32. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Sapsali - Breed Comparison
  33. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Peruvian Hairless - Breed Comparison
  34. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Lottatore Brindisino - Breed Comparison
  35. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Carolina Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  37. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Jonangi - Breed Comparison
  38. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  39. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Perro de Presa Mallorquin - Breed Comparison
  40. Spitz vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Schnauzer vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Schnoodle vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. New Guinea Singing Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  44. New Guinea Singing Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  45. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  47. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  48. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  49. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds